La Junta’s First Annual Dickens Fest, celebrating 200 years of Charles Dickens, commenced as scheduled at the beautifully Christmas decorated Woodruff Memorial Library on Friday evening! Library staff welcomed guests for a showing of the beloved Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” starring Alastair Sim. This film version is said to be closest to Charles Dickens’ writings. The library staff played a wonderful host, serving an abundance of popcorn and beverages while families and friends cozied up to this classic movie!

The merriment then continued at the library on Saturday morning as Stephen and Anastasia Mathews, in period costume, presented an interactive reading of “A Christmas Carol” for children. They provided props for the children to use such as “Jacob Marley” chains to rattle, hats to wear as carolers, and all children cried out “Bah Humbug” in unison when “Ebenezer Scrooge” said those very words! The children then made Christmas Cards, which became popular the year “A Christmas Carol” was written. They carefully chose paper and stickers to decorate their cards, taking their time to make them special! They then made orange pomanders (oranges pierced with whole cloves) which were popular for giving as gifts during Dickens’ era.

Still wishing for more time to make orange pomanders (they smelled so good!), it was time to carry on to the 1st Street Emporium to attend the ornament workshop hosted by doll artist, Char Hosea. Tasty hot drinks were served while crafters created jolly snowmen with stripped legs, topped with a black hat, plaid scarf tied around his neck, and carrying Christmas packages. Although everyone started with the same supplies, all of the snowmen came to life with their very own character! All of the faces were so cheery with little eyes and rosy cheeks! If you missed the class and want to create your own snowman, there is a limited supply of kits available for sale at the 1st Street Emporium. Reservations were required for this sold out workshop, and by the end of the class crafters were already asking to sign up for next year’s event!

It was then time to move the festivities to The Picketwire Theatre. Steve Simpson, director of the upcoming play “Escanaba in Da Moonlight” graciously moved his set to the back of the stage to accommodate space for the Dickens’ celebration! Dean Rees’ delightful Madrigal Singers performed five songs, one of which was “God Bless us everyone”! It was so fitting, as most of us know those familiar words which were spoken by Tiny Tim in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Dawn Pollmiller’s voice reached the balcony as she sang a beautiful solo, Peace Carol. Two melodious bell choirs performed as well, Gloria Bells directed by Barbra Hjelmstad and Incredi-Bells directed by Lindy Nelson. They entranced the audience by playing favorites such as Ding Dong Merrily on High, Carol of the Bells, Sing We Now of Christmas, and Joy to the World! A favorite Picketwire performer, Grant Elliot, dressed like Dickens himself, told of a “Time Gone By” as he spoke of Victorian Christmastime, and presented an excerpt from A Christmas Carol! Donations were happily accepted as The Picketwire is currently raising money for a long overdue electrical upgrade. If you were unable to make the performance but would still like to contribute, please contact the theatre at 384-8320. We are so fortunate to have our community theatre! What life it brings to La Junta!

Moving their way throughout the festival, many were looking forward to the “Dickens of a Christmas Tea” hosted by The Barista! Upon arrival, guests were greeted by such a sight! Rainey Melgosa’s beautifully decorated horse and buggy was clad in greenery and Christmas lights. Cassidy Kahler was juggling, wearing her cap, velvet jacket, and stripped socks! As promised, roasted chestnuts were wafting in the air. Having long anticipated what a roasted chestnut might taste like, folks were not disappointed! What a treat to have Kirk Snyder roasting chestnuts on the sidewalks of La Junta! Upon entering the illuminated Barista, Clara Lee Stafford was playing the piano, dressed in her beautiful Victorian dress with a cape and bonnet! While being served delicious treats and confections along with our choice of tea, Ed Stafford presented readings while Clara Lee continued to play. It was an extraordinary presentation of various poems, the familiar Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus, and excerpts from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. In concluding, all sang Christmas Carols accompanied by Clara Lee. The atmosphere was just lovely! This sold out tea was also available by reservation only, and guests already wanted to sign up for next year’s tea!

Without realizing it, the sun had gone down on the day. Leaving the tea, the smell of the chestnuts was still in the air, as passersby were not going to miss the opportunity to try such a treat!Saying goodbye to the horse, it was time to join friends and neighbors in a long time tradition, Christmas Caroling! Carolers made their way to the lamppost in front of the Post Office to join Leon Davis in singing traditional songs! Leon was dressed appropriately in his Victorian cape, and his top hat was festively decorated with holly! Some were surprised that many of the carols had more verses than most people are familiar with, therefore, song books were provided! It was a beautiful conclusion in celebrating Charles Dickens and his traditions!

La Junta’s First Annual Dickens Fest proved to be a wonderful time spent with family, friends, and neighbors! It was a time to celebrate the life and traditions of a man who had a heart for others, for the better of humankind. What an example for us all! As we go about our Christmas Season and into the New Year, let us also think of others and how we might change someone’s life for the better.

“I will honor Christmas in my heart,and try to keep it all the year.” ~Charles Dickens